chery's reviews
43 reviews

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

emotional sad medium-paced

3.0

I struggle to grasp the historical context of Japan and Korea before the war within the book’s narrative. The focus on Sunja and her descendants seems to overshadow the historical backdrop, diminishing its initial allure. The narrative predominantly revolves around her family members—her husband, sons, and grandson—resembling more of a dramatic storytelling rather than a thorough exploration of historical fiction. This superficial approach lacks the depth required to delve into the characters’ emotions, making it challenging for me to remain engaged until the conclusion.

Ace by Angela Chen

informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Stumbling upon someone’s review for this book, I was immediately sold: Yes, this is what I’m going to read next.

“Part I: Self” has numerous highlights because it’s something most people can relate to; seeing ourselves reflected in the paragraphs allows our initial doubts about ourselves to dissipate and be replaced with a new understanding. The subsequent chapters, however, prove to be difficult for me to relate to as someone from Southeast Asia, as the topics touch on sex. It is mentioned several times how race can affect someone’s convictions about identifying as a certain sexuality, but to my dismay, only a few Asian people were interviewed, mostly from East Asia and they are all American by nationality, and the racial struggle explained felt too concise. It’s challenging to grasp sexual desire, attraction, and the importance of sex from a Western viewpoint. In our culture, sex isn’t considered the most crucial aspect and still remains taboo, especially for unmarried individuals, rendering it a topic not explicitly open for discussion here. Nevertheless, the information and studies that Chen brings to light can be helpful not only for aces or the LGBTQ+ community but also for individuals in relationships where sex is a deal-breaker.

Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

It is romantic and sweet, a story that captures a perspective of life from Tokue, who navigated through her youth with severe illness, devoid of the regular life that we might have now. Yet, she holds a lot of faith in the world, not because it has taught her to be kind, but because a life lived with even a hint of self-pity is one that is unfulfilled and meaningless. She didn’t let her sickness define what she could or couldn’t do because we are always capable of choosing our state of mind, and our life is so much more than the perpetual misery brought upon us.

I like the way Sukegawa, at the beginning of the chapter, described the changing of seasons and mentioned cherry blossoms in many paragraphs. I think it highlights the message to tell us to listen to that around us, as Tokue did. What deeply reflects with me is within Tokue’s letter:

But with joy also came pain. All experience adds up to a life lived as only you could. I feel sure the day will come when you can say: this is my life.

It’s only recently that I also expressed my own understanding of life, acknowledging the inseparability of pain and happiness, and how missing one of them will diminish the entire essence of living a life that holds meaning and value, one that teaches us from our experiences.

Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

I can’t begin to talk about how many times I’ve encountered meaningful passages that not only resonated with me at face value but also deeply through my experiences, as they tackle existential acceptance—of our emotions, bodies, and societal expectations. Being a woman with many insecurities that we carry in our everyday lives can bring forth a lot of questions. I do find myself questioning a lot about my being born into this world with my own differences, and this confusion is scarcely addressed due to personal fears of being distinctive from the rest of the ‘norms’. Descriptions about every little detail leave you wondering if you’ve truly entered the place and experienced what the narrator was feeling—all these tangible sensations you get from reading a philosophical depiction. Consequently, I feel thankful for the reflective journey through reading Breasts and Eggs, which made me feel validated. It is a special experience to find a book that makes you feel seen and understood.

Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

5.0

My inaugural foray into English classic literature proved to be a challenging endeavor. Despite almost abandoning it midway, I persevered for two weeks—a duration typically reserved for completing 2-3 books. Yet, I don’t regret this decision, even though the complex language and nuanced passages in the beginning were a struggle. However, everything changed around 60%, where the plot began to intensify, leading to a major turning point and a cascade of unexpected events. The mystery surrounding Lady Audley evoked a whirlwind of emotions, from despair to frustration, prompting contemplation on the inevitable journey of grief and destruction for Robert Audley and those close to him. Contrary to my initial convictions, the narrative took a surprising turn, culminating in moments of unexpected joy as the story unfolded.

Through Lady Audley’s Secret, I discovered a newfound ability to express my own melancholy through words. This experience emphasizes the importance of expanding my literary repertoire for self-discovery and personal growth.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark tense fast-paced

4.25

The story manipulates and contradicts itself, leaving us questioning which side to take to spare our souls from having similar prejudices. The narrator, serving as the main character, skillfully lead us to believe that her actions were not vile, despite her evident evil and constant condescension. We’re drawn into justifying her behavior, ultimately leaving us feeling conflicted and faltering our convictions. Kuang’s work, this time, is nearly flawless in its execution.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

A whimsical novel featuring time travel and various narratives, it unfolds as a memorable journey for those revisiting their past. However, I find it lacking the emotional depth to truly captivate me, even though it is well-suited for a swift and light read.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild

inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

A delightful and heartwarming read. Surprisingly, juvenile literature demands a slower pace from me compared to my usual choices. Perhaps it’s the details that allow the story to sink in. I appreciate how this book sparked curiosity about things I haven’t pondered since my adult years, bringing back the nostalgia of youth. Its timeless charm and ability to resonate with readers of all ages make it a delightful choice. Exploring the world of ballet and the dreams of three adopted sisters, the story leaves a lasting impression.

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

reflective fast-paced

5.0

I found common ground with Keiko Furukura, who, despite her distinctiveness from societal norms, embraces her identity as a worthy convenience store worker. I believe I express the feelings of those grappling with similar challenges—finding joy in our endeavors is a delightful experience, regardless of external judgments. Awarding this book my first five-star rating in 2024, Murata’s storytelling intrigued me, and I will look up her other works in the future.

A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro

mysterious slow-paced

3.0

I’m curious if the author aimed to convey deeper messages, considering the brevity of the 180-page book. I hope to grasp more, as I acknowledge my challenge in deciphering the intricacies. It appears that the answers might have been there all along, and my oversight may have kept me from recognizing them.